CENTERVILLE—Behind the Whitaker Museum lies a patchwork of a thousand shades of green where members of the community have come together to plant and beautify a community garden. The successful administration of this garden for the past 13 years has been due, in large part, to Erin Redd and her family.

With help from the parks and recreation department and the city of Centerville, Redd said that there really haven’t been too many outstanding challenges during their tenure coordinating the garden, “We keep it pretty simple,” she said, explaining how much of the success comes from the tremendous community response. 

In addition to produce and flowers, the garden has also cultivated a sense of community says Redd, “everyone is so friendly.” There’s just something about being outdoors, gardening, being in nature in the middle of a neighborhood that helps “ground” people, and brings out the best in people as they help one another grow the best gardens they can.

It’s an important concept too with increasing urbanization, to preserve green spaces like these, for many reasons, not the least of which is self-reliance. Redd, who has involved her whole family, kids included, in the garden, expressed just how important it is for the rising generation to keep these skills alive, “we include (the kids) in everything,” and it has really paid off. Redd said that, if they needed to, her kids have all the skills they need to grow their own food. 

Community gardens like this also help combat inflation. Anyone who has gone to the grocery store recently knows just how expensive produce has become, especially those items bearing the tag “organic.” Growing produce in a community garden is significantly cheaper, and, as Redd says, “You know exactly where it came from.” With the huge benefits provided by growing a garden, the biggest hurdle for many may be getting started, but Redd and her family have thought of that too.

Throughout the season, experts and master gardeners will give classes and instruction, with schedules posted on the Whitaker’s page, that help gardeners of all levels. From beginners to experts, “you can always pick up a little something,” said Redd. It’s a rewarding practice as well, for gardeners to be able to see the literal fruits of their labor when it comes time to harvest, and usually, it’s not just the gardeners themselves who benefit.

Redd said that often, gardeners grow more than they can use, and in that event, in cooperation with the USU Davis Extension, the excess produce is gathered, and donated to the local food pantry. The food, which is fresh, locally grown, and healthy doesn’t go to waste, but also goes to a great cause. 

More information about the community garden at the Whitaker, such as workshops, plot sizes, and prices, can all be found at centervilleutah.gov/358/Community-Garden.